Finding Joy in the Adventure of Parenthood

We didn’t waste any time getting our daughter out into the world once she arrived. 

At just two weeks old, she joined us on a road trip to Southern Illinois for a dose of Shawnee National Forest “hiking” in our Osprey Poco soft carrier. Six weeks in, she became very familiar with our daytime walks to the green space in each cardinal direction from our city condo. By eight weeks, she was snoozing through her first camping trip in West Michigan. At six months, we took her cruising in a bike trailer on a paved bike trail (despite general recommendations in the provided safety pamphlet, whoops). 

It’s safe to say, now, at 8 months of age, AJ is no stranger to adventure—whether that’s a ride on the “L” train or a ride on a trail in the stroller at our local park. 

Just what we’d hoped for. Actually, just what we planned for. 

Truthfully, I hesitate to say plan because parents don’t plan… we gamble. You can’t plan bedtime… your kid decides if tonight is for sleep or for an all-nighter. You can’t plan the surprise fevers or forehead bumps… those are inevitable. You can’t even plan dinner.. sometimes it’s a well-balanced feast, sometimes it’s a pizza crust buffet. 

All this to say, we did plan one thing: we were absolutely determined that AJ would know what adventure was from the very start. 

Of all the things we were willing to surrender when the baby arrived—sleep, silence, the ability to drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot—we refused to give up exploring. 

We refused to sacrifice spontaneity. We refused to succumb to ditching the thrill of chasing the unknown. 

Adding a baby to our family meant adding an adventure buddy to our lifestyle. She’s now strapped to our back when we set out on a new trip or trail. (And that pack is stuffed with snacks, burp cloths, and lots of diapers.)

AJ has racked up a sizable amount of trail miles before most babies roll over.

Yet, despite all our early wins in raising a tiny adventurer, it’s still been a serious mental marathon and a physical obstacle course stepping into motherhood. 

I didn’t carry our daughter myself, but, wow, do I feel the constant weight of nonstop caring for a baby. So many sleepless hours. So much second-guessing. So much worry. So much constant, unblinking attention.

Early on (and still today), I find myself thinking big and sometimes scary thoughts:

• How much of “me” will disappear with the time commitment of parenting?

• Will my friendships fade because I’m too wrapped up in keeping this tiny person alive?

• What if I’m a bad parent?

• Wait… am I a bad parent?

No, of course not. And as wiser, more experienced parents keep reminding me: change is inevitable, and that’s okay.

While life has certainly changed, AJ has brought a ridiculous amount of joy into our lives. I suspected she would before she even arrived—that’s why her middle name is Joy, after all.

Our favorite adventures with AJ aren’t the epic road trips or multi-night campouts. Instead, it’s adventuring with her right here in Chicago.

Watching her experience the city is a wonder that rivals any summit view. I love to watch her kick her feet on the CTA like she’s riding a theme park ride, marvel with her as she reaches for a plant, celebrate as she collects leaves at the park like priceless artifacts, and see all of the people she meets and experiences she has in the city through her eyes.

A life with AJ means a life with adventures abound. 

This is the kind of joy I’ll chase for as long as she’ll let me.

The products featured in this story are the Poco™ LT (Se abre en una nueva ventana)and the Poco Changing Backpack(Se abre en una nueva ventana), which comes with a removable changing mat.